Top 5 Reasons Why Filipinos Move to New Zealand

Filipinos are a proud race thus the term “Pinoy Pride” is overly used on social media with the cloying #hashtag attached to it. We take pride on our world-class performers such as Lea Salonga, international beauty stand-outs like Pia Wurtzbach and of course Manny Pacquiao who’s ruling the boxing arena for years now.

View of Auckland City from Mt. Eden

El Nido is often hailed as the most beautiful island in the world and Boracay the best beach there is. But behind these world-renowned personalities , pristine beaches and paradise of islands lies the fact that millions of Filipinos are unemployed, living under 2 dollars a day, and deprived of even the most basic of sustenance. Worsening traffic in the metro is enough to make you pull your hair in anger. Corruption in the government and crimes in the streets are daily news. This never ending list of socio-political issues and the slow economic growth which have been haunting the country for ages now resulted in the diaspora of Filipinos world-wide. Whichever country you go to, you are sure to find a Filipino working or residing there in search for a better future. And New Zealand is fast-becoming the top choice for Filipinos to move to.

So what are the reasons why 40,000 strong Filipinos decide to move to New Zealand?

Flowers in full bloom @ Rotorua Museum

1.) New Zealand has the least corrupt government in the world. NZ holds this title for more than 5 years now and yet they are not being complacent and still targets to gain more public trust in the long run. There’s nothing like the comfort of knowing that the taxes you pay to the government from your hard day’s work is being utilized in the most efficient way possible; that the government is “actually working” to provide support and service to the people. Integrity, government transparency and public rights are top priorities here and everyone if fervently obliged to adhere to the laws.

2.) New Zealand provides greener pastures (both literally and figuratively). Okay to be honest, the cost of living in New Zealand is high, but if you have a decent job here you can surely provide for your family and still have a little extra for some luxuries or even holidays from time to time. And of course, it won’t hurt that you are also having the most awesome views of rolling hills, turquoise-colored lakes and snow-capped mountains on your way to work. Minimum wage in NZ is 15.25nzd/hour or roughly 550php/hour.

Serenity and Peace @ Piha Beach

3.) New Zealand is family-friendly. Companies/employers in NZ are very lenient when it comes to family matters. Here, family comes first. You need to take a day off for your daughter’s ballet recital? No problem. You need to take a week off to tend to some family emergency? No problem. And even when you work in the retail industry, you can still enjoy a 9-5 job as most shops and malls here close at 5pm (to give everyone a much-needed quality time with the family). And during Christmas holidays, most companies are having a 2-week shut-down so you can have a full 2 weeks of vacation and Christmas break! How cool is that?

4.) New Zealand is very conducive for having/raising kids. As per the government welfare act, new mothers are entitled to up to 16 continuous week’s paid maternity leave and a further 52 week’s unpaid leave. Pre-natal care and costs of giving birth are also fully covered. Medical and dental check-ups for children are free until they reach 18. Tax credits, weekly allowances, school subsidies and housing supplements are just some of the support given by the government for working families. Plus (and this is a HUGE plus) safety here is second to none.

Strawberry-picking is a favourite summer activity in NZ!

5.) The Kiwis (New Zealanders) are the kindest in the world! You will be surprised at how a Kiwi will go to great lengths just to help you. There was one time when I got lost and asked for directions when one Kiwi offered to just drive me to the place! You are also sure to get smiles and hellos from people on the streets. At work, Kiwis often start the day with some chitchat of how your weekend was, your plans for the weekend and just about any random stuff to lighten up your mood. The Kiwis are also known advocates for gender and race equality and diversity in the workplace is embraced here. You will feel welcomed in New Zealand regardless of your skin color, accent or beliefs.

Here are just a few reasons why thousands of Filipinos chose New Zealand as their second home. What about you, what are your reasons for moving to New Zealand or other country? Are you planning to move to New Zealand soon? I will be happy to hear your story.

65 thoughts on “Top 5 Reasons Why Filipinos Move to New Zealand”

we are a family of 3. my student visa was already approved and we are still waiting for my husband’s and son’s visa. We are very much excited on this new phase of our lives.though i must admit, i get a little scared from the thought of leaving Davao City, or let’s say my comfort zone. but we have decided to move to NZ for a better future specially for our son. everything you have said in this article is true.even Davao now is becoming more like Manila. we want to experience a work-life balance and we know we can have that in NZ by God’s grace.

Hi maam! May I ask where did you applied for your visa? It is an agency or consultancy? How much fees are we going to pay? My family is eager in apply to NZ. I am thinking for a better future for my family. Feel free to email me those informations at unodostrese@yahoo.com. Thank you for you kind reaponse. 😊

Hi Dan. We applied by ourselves and did not go through any agency. You can browse through immigration.govt.nz for details. You can select what visa you are interested to apply. For immigrant visa or skilled migrant visa, expenses will be around 300-400 thousand pesos.

Hi Lea. Having a student visa does not guarantee you to gain residence visa here in NZ. Make sure you or your husband have the experiences and qualifications that suit to the skilled job you want to be. Remember, NZ has a policy of KIwi first in hiring. Living here is also quite expensive, especially in Auckland
Lpl

Not easy to get residency anymore because immigration law is again changing soon making skilled workers more and more difficult to apply for residency. My advise to those who wish to come to NZ is better stay in our country if you already have a stable job.

Hi
I’m a 27 year old native guy of New Zealand. A New Zealand Maori to be exact. Lived in NZ my whole life and have never been able to experience a vacation away from NZ before. I have always wanted to take a vacation to Philippines though. Filipino are beautiful people with beautiful hearts. I hold all great respect for your ethnicity. NZ is a beautiful place to live with a lot of support from our government, alot of opportunity to learn more about NZ and it’s Maori background and history, NZ has beautiful surroundings and pastures and overall a better life financially and a more rewarding future for those who choose to migrate here. Do visit the immigration website and search through the visas on the website that suit your situation. If you have parents here already that are already permanent residents or citizens then you should have no problem migrating here. You should also not have any problems getting visas for your children through the same process. Oh yeah, if you do get to make your way here in the future then let me know, I would be happy to show you around 😉 😉 😉

Very well written. Just about the same reasons kaya nandito kami. There were ups and downs and major adjustments in 7/8 years in NZ. The kids (2 girls, 17 &13 plus 7 year old boy) loves it here. So many opportunities.

We have one infant as well and both my husband and I are working. You can apply for grandparent visa to your parents so they can help you with taking care of your baby. There are lots of day care here as well.

Hi Marge, everything written in your blog is true which I’ve experience first hand. I never thought that I’ve migrated in Auckland considering that I had a decent job back in Cebu (IT Industry) and it’s been 10 years now. So far so good, my three teenagers are happy and satisfied although we cannot hide the fact that they are longing back home especially for their cousins and family friends. Lastly, I never expected that I built my own house in NZ since it is very hard to build a new house in our country even though we belong in the middle class. The thing i notice is, we have a better value of our money, great work and life balance with clean and green environment …

Hi Richard. Thanks for reading my blog. I’m proud of you for building your house here in NZ. We are currently in the midst of house hunting and it’s no easy task. Feel free to visit this site for more travel tips around NZ or the world and whatnot. Congrats on your house and God bless!

Hi Ms. Margie! My family is planning to migrate to NZ. Can you me send some links on how to apply or any consultancies you know on processing our applications? Feel free to email me at unodostrese@yahoo.com on your free time. Thank you for your kind response. God bless you! 😊

Excellent advice Marge. Anyone wanting to migrate to new zealand do it yourself to safe wasted money given to consultant. Any document you give them is the same document they submit nothing added to it. It is just a matter of research and understanding the process. Goodluck everyone… go to http://www.immigration.govt. nz for more information.

Hi Malou. Thank you for visiting my site. Yes, that’s right. it will save you a lot of money if you will not avail of the services of agencies or consultants. You just need to make a lot of research and a lot of effort to complete your documents 🙂

True! Been there last sept and oct. amazed of how clean the place…walang ahas! And never saw ipis and langaw! And never saw policemen in the street! You can walk around Auckland without the fear of mandurukot! And people lived longer kasi di ma preservatives ang mga fud nila..mababait ang mga tao…though hindi sila religious people and seldom you can see churches. And true na during holiday season
mas may chance makauwi or makapagbakasyon ang mga pinoy kasi closed ang mga establishment! At ang mga mall sarado na pag 5pm! But the grocery store are open…some are 24/7 . My daughter brought me who is a nurse. Within 1 yr got her residency. She directly apply @immigration New Zealand. 2 mos of study (CAP) without agency. But good to have 2 yrs experience before you apply bec. They base your residency thru your points. I hope this little knowledge can help those people who wanst to migrate or work at NZ…during my 2.mos stay i visited many places. .but Queenstown is the best place for me.God bless

Hi Veronica! I’m happy that you had such great experience here in NZ! I have yet to see Queenstown, been hearing really good things about it! Thanks for those tips as well, they will be really helpful for those wanting to apply to migrate here! 🙂

Hi Grace! During our time, around 2012, we are not required to take IELTS, just proof that English was the medium of instruction in University/College. Also, we worked in SG, so proof that English was our medium of communication in SG. But now I think they are already requiring it 🙂

Nice article Marge, however, point #5 is debatable….i am not sure if this is still true as I have experienced some situations where local Kiwis are being so arrogant and rude on the road, public transportations and on the phones toward asians like us. Kindly have your thoughts about this, please.

Hi Marge,
I totally agree with you. I migrated here in NZ back in Feb 2013 basically the same reason plus my passion and love for triathlon as a sports..it is my dream to cross the finish line which did happen in Jan 2014 in AKL ..thou I m not a good swimmer , cyclist or runner. I just have that end in mind to finish what I started.. Everything went well with me. After 10 mos study I got full time job as sales rep for a Japenese cosmetic company covering whole south island based in Christchurch then got my resident visa in 9 mos time( Dec 2014) and now will apply for permanent residency BUT it was never easy as lots of trials and challenges around which weare not exempted.. I should say having that triathlon iron man paradigm ” Anything is possible ” transfers to me the way I see things ..whenever I am hardest hit by trials, anxiety or depression I go and think back of my end in mind which is get my resudent visa and bring the whole gang ( 3 boys and a boss/wifey) in NZ. I would also mention that prayer, fasting and paying your tithing will help you in anyking of endeavor you re into .. the Lord promised in Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. I testify this to be TRUE. He listens and answers our prayer. He lives and loves us and our family and knows what is the best for us. 😄😉
My Boss/wifey and I are now working for Bank of New Zealand and able to provide temporal and spiritual needs of our family. We are so blessed as we enjoying 100% pure beauty of NZ in the South Island.

Thanks again for sharing you blog. I will share it as well. – J “Ironmind-Anything is possible”

Ate Marge, we are applying next year 🙂 magiipon muna ng lakas at pera haha 🙂 btw, my cousin moved there last year and it has been amazing for his family so far. And an orgmate from UPSCA works there too. Am glad for your achievements. Keep posting!

Good Morning…Very well said! I need to think about this now..It really helps..Kindly send links on how to apply. Just want to know how much money do I need from application to arrival and eventually leave in NZ if you are just starting. I have two boys, 13 and 17. Me and wife are both working here in the Philippines..Thanks and God bless you! More power to all Pinoys in NZ..

Thank you for this blog! Now I’m more excited while waiting for the outcome of our skilled migrant visa this year. Question lang po to those migrants with children, can we enroll our children po ba anytime of the year? I believe in NZ 1st week of Feb yong start of school year nila but in Ph, March yong end of the school year. There’s an inevitable delay of enrollment. I have 2 girls 9 and 12. Your inputs will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Marge this blog is really amazing. Now you enlightened me to visit New Zealand for holiday and maybe soon migrating as well. We travelled every year to US and europe and looking for a place where we can migrate soon. We lived and worked in Middle East for more than 8 years. Now that i’ve read this inspiring stories from your blog. We are looking forward to see and visit New Zealand as well. By the way I love the Maori Haka Dance. More Power and happy Chinese New Year to our kababayans in NZ.

Hi Marge! Great blog! We moved here years ago and like a normal teenager, I wasn’t very happy. But now, there’s no place I would rather be..
On another note…Just like you I have been wanting to start my own blog but not sure where to begin.. busy with work and motherhood! How do you do it? Thanks!

It’s my dream to work and eventually reside in New Zealand. Would you recommend looking for a job first and then going there to migrate. Or are there more chances if you use the working holiday visa or directly migrate? (Can you migrate even if you don’t have a job yet?)